To begin this itinerary, head for the heights of the Haut-Doubs hills. The resort of Métabief offers a prime gateway to the vast Jura outdoor spaces, between lush green alpine pastures, fir forests, and breathtaking views over the Alps.

Things to do:

• Le Mont d'Or from Métabief: Climb to the summit of Mont d'Or via the Le Morond chairlift or on foot. From the limestone cliffs, enjoy an exceptional panorama over the Alps and Lake Saint-Point. An unmissable spot for hiking or downhill mountain biking.

• Lake Saint-Point: Just a few minutes from the centre, do a circuit of this natural lake bordered by pastures. Extend your stop with a kayaking session or a relaxing break on the landscaped shores.

• Château de Joux and Fort Mahler: Perched on its rocky outcrop overlooking the gorge, this military fort redesigned by Vauban retraces ten centuries of history. Take the guided tour to explore its successive enclosures and enjoy the view over the Swiss border.

Hot Baked Mont d'Or PDO

Baked in the oven in its spruce wood box, this soft cheese is served with Morteau sausage, local potatoes, and a glass of Jura white wine.

Heading down into the Loue Valley, the ambiance becomes aquatic and mineral. Ornans immediately delights with its old houses suspended over the river and its limestone cliffs framing the town.

Things to do:

• Historic Centre and Miroir de la Loue: Walk across the main bridge and through the picturesque narrow streets to watch the historic facades reflected in the clear waters of the Loue.

• Canoeing and kayaking on the Loue: Hire a boat to paddle down the river. This activity allows you to discover the wild gorges and wooded banks from a preserved perspective.

• Gustave Courbet Museum: Visit the birthplace of the famous realist painter to understand the artist's deep attachment to the landscapes and rocks of his native region.

Morel mushroom and Vin Jaune toast

A classic recipe from Franche-Comté made with toasted rustic bread slices, topped with a generous wild morel cream sauce deglazed with Arbois Vin Jaune.

This stage connects the Doubs plain with the Vosges massif. From the ancient arenas of Mandeure to the foot of the peaks in Giromagny, the route alternates between Gallo-Roman history and mountain landscapes.

Things to do:

• Gallo-Roman Theatre of Mandeure: Discover the remains of one of the largest theatres in Roman Gaul, set against the hillside in a loop of the Doubs river.

• Ascent of the Ballon d'Alsace from Giromagny: Take the picturesque road winding from Giromagny to the summit of the Ballon d'Alsace. Set off on a hike across the high pastures to admire the view over the Alsace plain.

• The Savoureuse and Fort Giromagny: Stroll along the Savoureuse river and explore Fort Giromagny, a key element of the fortified belt built to protect the Belfort Gap.

Franche-Comté pie with Comté cheese and smoked meat

A delicious recipe encasing melted slices of PDO Comté cheese and pieces of traditional tuyé-smoked cured meats inside all-butter puff pastry.

At the foot of the Haute-Saône Vosges, Luxeuil-les-Bains welcomes you to an elegant setting shaped by its pink sandstone and thermal waters exploited since antiquity. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding wetlands.

Things to do:

• Historic Centre of Luxeuil-les-Bains: Stroll past townhouses made of pink Vosges sandstone, admire the Échevins Tower, and stop outside the historic Thermal Baths.

• Thousand Ponds Circuit: Head towards the Plateau des Mille Étangs for a cycle ride among these bodies of water created in the Middle Ages.

• Saint-Pierre Basilica and its Cloister: Visit the majestic Gothic basilica and its adjoining cloister, testimonies to the powerful monastery founded by Saint Columbanus.

Luxeuil Ham

Dry-salted, rubbed with spices and Franche-Comté wine, then dried and smoked over softwood for several months using traditional methods.

A change of scenery as you head west to the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Historical capital of the Haut-Morvan, Château-Chinon is perched on its promontory, surrounded by vast fir forests and wooded valleys.

Things to do:

• Le Calvaire de Château-Chinon: Climb on foot to the summit of the old castle to enjoy a 360° panorama over the peaks of the Morvan and the Nivernais hills.

• Musée du Septennat & Musée du Costume: Browse the collections housed in the former convent, which gather the official gifts received by François Mitterrand as well as collections of antique costumes.

• Getaway to Lake Pannecière: A few kilometres away, discover this large body of water surrounded by hills for a fishing session or a hike along the shorelines.

Charolais beef cut with Époisses sauce

A pan-seared cut of Charolais beef smothered in a creamy sauce made with PDO Époisses cheese, washed with Marc de Bourgogne.

Heading into Côte-d'Or, the route stops at Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Perched on its rocky outcrop, the village has preserved its ramparts, paved alleyways, and period houses.

Things to do:

• Alleyways and ramparts of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain: Stroll on foot through the narrow streets lined with ashlar weavers' houses, pass through the fortified gates, and admire the view over the Auxois valley.

• Anis de Flavigny Factory: Enter the former Saint-Pierre Abbey to discover the traditional making of aniseed sweets and watch the coating workshops.

• Archaeological Site and MuséoParc d'Alésia: Nearby in Alise-Sainte-Reine, explore the site of the Siege of Alesia and its visitor centre retracing the clash between Caesar and Vercingetorix.

Anis de Flavigny

These famous sweets, made from a green aniseed coated in flavoured sugar syrup, have been crafted in the heart of the village since 1591.

Entering the Yonne department, make a stop in Bonnard. Crossed by the Serein river, this small village offers a bucolic setting that has charmed many painters who came to capture the light and peacefulness of its riverbanks.

Things to do:

• Walk along the Serein: Follow the riverside path in Bonnard for a shaded walk, ideal for relaxing and watching aquatic wildlife.

• Cycle route in the Yonne valley: Hop on your bicycle for a cycle ride along the small country roads linking Bonnard to neighbouring orchards and villages.

• Discovery of Saint-Antoine church: Visit this small building in the heart of the village to discover its rural architecture, typical of the Joigny countryside and vineyards.

Côte Saint-Jacques wine

A local wine produced on the slopes overlooking the Yonne river, notably the famous vin gris, ideal for pairing with local terrines or artisanal cured meats.

To conclude this journey in the far north of Burgundy, Michery plunges you into the heart of the agricultural and rolling landscape of the Sénonais region. Between monastic remains and proximity to the Yonne valley, this stage brings the trip to a gentle close.

Things to do:

• La Cour-Notre-Dame Abbey in Michery: Discover the remains of this former 13th-century Cistercian abbey, bordered by tall trees and farmland.

• Walk between the Sénonais valley and the banks of the Yonne: Take advantage of the rural paths around Michery for an easy hike through woodlands and cultivated fields.

• Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Sens: Just a few kilometres from Michery, take a guided tour of Sens Cathedral, the first major Gothic cathedral in France, and discover its medieval treasure.

Burgundian Gougères

Savory golden baked choux pastries, prepared with choux paste blended with grated French Gruyère or aged Comté, traditionally served warm during wine tastings.